A Filipino-Canadian continuing care aid from Canora has been named the Partners in Immigration and Integration (PII) Immigrant of the year.
Melinda Montebon-Castilla (see bio below), who came to Canada 13 years ago, was bestowed the honour during the Second Biennial Immigration of Distinction Awards ceremony at Painted Hand Casino November 19.
“It meant so much in terms of gratitude Montebon-Castilla said. “Gratitude to the Lord, the giver of my life; gratitude to my family, especially my parents, they’re not here, but gratitude to my children; gratitude to my partner Stewart Doan; to my Filipino community; and, of course, my beloved Canada.”
Yorkton Partners in Immigration and Integration is an office of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council (SAC). The organization honoured a total of eight local individuals and organizations in categories ranging from business to arts and culture. For a full list see the bottom of this page.
The ceremony was scheduled to coincide with National Multicultural Week and the Sixth Annual Festival of Cultures at Sacred Heart High School November 20, also sponsored by Sask Abilities. Please see the related feature on Page B1.
Edith Montescleros, PII senior settlement supervisor, was thrilled with the event.
“I’m so happy,” she said. “We’ve been hoping for a modest result, but this is overwhelming and the recipients are outstanding.”
Montescleros said they learned a lot from 2014’s inaugural edition and while last time was “successful” this time was much better.
They hope to continue to improve in 2018. One thing she said they would do differently, for example, is call for nominations earlier.
Immigrant of the year: Melinda Montebon-Castilla
Melinda Montebon-Sevilla came to Canada in 2003 under the live-in caregiver program. After years of continued hard work, she received her permanent residency and was able to move on to becoming a continuing care aid at various nursing homes in Estevan, Yorkton, Kamsack, and currently in Canora.
Despite her busy schedule with work and doting on her two daughters, Melinda spends her spare time helping newcomers in any way she can. She is known to offer her home to people she hardly knows or just met whether an individual or a family. She readily offers financial help to individuals going through hardships or crisis and volunteers to fund raise for those in need. Many witnessed the time and efforts she spent to go from house to house for bottle drives or seeking donations and sponsorships in the cold winter nights.
In 2013, Melinda was elected President of the Parkland Filipino Canadian Association Incorporated which is the largest Filipino association in the region. Her main objectives were for the association to be more involved in the community in volunteering, participation in cultural events and commit to community initiatives which were all realized during her term. Through her leadership, the association became more visible and accessible to the community.
From her humble background, Melinda is now the Filipino community’s biggest supporter and advocate and serves as an inspiration to many of the Filipinos in the region.
2016 Immigrants of Distinction Award recipients
Award sponsor in brackets.
Business Award (Chamber of Commerce): Dr. Oluwole Oduntun
Distinguished Service Award (SIGN): Rejean Houle
Arts and Culture Award (Painted Hand Casino): Saskatchewan-Melville and Area Happenings and Gatherings
Vounteer Award (Tim Hortons): Ajay Reddy Tadi
Organizational Diversity Award (Olymel): Jerome Kweens, Tristar Foods
Youth Scholarship Award (Parkland College): Kerrie Poole
Immigrant Group of the Year Award (Saskatchewan Abilities Council): Parkland Filipino Canadian Association
Immigrant of the Year Award (LM Driving School): Melinda Montebon-Castilla
